Carpenter’s take on Stephen King’s novel is the most reserved, deliberately-paced, and psychologically terrifying film of his career.

On its surface, a supernatural tale of a 1958 Plymouth Fury possessed by hell; at its core, a character-driven, mind-unravelling nightmare about a high school nerd (Keith Gordon) and his descent into madness as his obsession with the titular vehicle accelerates.

Dismissed upon its original release, Christine has since developed a cult following and demands to be revisited for its powerhouse performances (Harry Dean Stanton hilarious as a laid-back detective in a slick blue suit ), outstanding practical effects (Christine’s regeneration scenes are mind-blowing), and key John Carpenter score.